AFCON 2025: Nigeria vs Tanzania Preview, Team News, Lineups & Match Details

Nigeria begin their quest for a fourth Africa Cup of Nations title when they face Tanzania in their opening Group C fixture of AFCON 2025 in Morocco.

The Super Eagles arrive as runners-up from the 2023 edition, where they narrowly lost 2–1 to hosts Côte d’Ivoire in the final. With continental redemption on their minds and the disappointment of missing out on qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Nigeria will be determined to start strongly.

For Tanzania, the task is daunting. The Taifa Stars exited at the group stage in the last AFCON and have never won a group-stage match in the tournament’s history. Their opening game against one of Africa’s heavyweights represents both a stern test and an opportunity to rewrite the narrative.

Match Details

• Fixture: Nigeria vs Tanzania
• Competition: Africa Cup of Nations 2025
• Group: Group C
• Venue: Morocco
• Stage: Group stage (Matchday 1)

Nigeria: Hungry for Redemption

Under head coach Eric Chelle, Nigeria boast one of the most balanced squads at the tournament, combining European-based experience with physical presence and attacking flair.

Despite falling just short in the last final, the Super Eagles remain one of Africa’s most dangerous sides. The pressure to deliver is high, especially after failing to reach the 2026 World Cup, but the quality within the squad suggests Nigeria should be among the title contenders once again.

Much will depend on the form of Victor Osimhen, supported by creative wide players such as Ademola Lookman, Samuel Chukwueze, and Moses Simon, while Wilfred Ndidi anchors the midfield.

Nigeria Squad

Goalkeepers:
Stanley Nwabali (Chippa United), Amas Obasogie (Singida Black Stars), Francis Uzoho (Omonia)

Defenders:
Calvin Bassey (Fulham), Semi Ajayi (Hull City), Bright Osayi-Samuel (Birmingham City), Bruno Onyemaechi (Olympiacos), Chidozie Awaziem (Nantes), Zaidu Sanusi (Porto), Igoh Ogbu (Slavia Prague), Ryan Alebiosu (Blackburn Rovers)

Midfielders:
Alex Iwobi (Fulham), Frank Onyeka (Brentford), Wilfred Ndidi (Beşiktaş), Raphael Onyedika (Club Brugge), Tochukwu Nnadi (Zulte Waregem), Fisayo Dele-Bashiru (Lazio), Ebenezer Akinsanmiro (Pisa), Usman Muhammed (Ironi Tiberias)

Forwards:
Chidera Ejuke (Sevilla), Akor Adams (Sevilla), Ademola Lookman (Atalanta), Samuel Chukwueze (Fulham), Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray), Moses Simon (Paris FC), Paul Onuachu (Trabzonspor), Cyriel Dessers (Panathinaikos), Salim Fago Lawal (Istra 1961)

Nigeria Possible Line-up

Nwabali; Ajayi, Bassey, Alebiosu, Sanusi; Ndidi, Iwobi; Ejuke, Lookman; Onuachu, Osimhen

Tanzania: Fighting History and Form

Tanzania arrive in Morocco with form firmly against them, having failed to win any of their last seven matches and losing their previous four in a row.

Coach Miguel Gamondi faces a significant challenge. The Taifa Stars have never won an AFCON group-stage match, recording six defeats and three draws across nine games. Their goal this time is clear: compete, stay organised, and avoid another early exit.

Veteran forwards Ally Samatta and Simon Msuva provide experience up front, while creativity will largely fall to Feisal Salum and Novatus Miroshi. Defensive discipline will be crucial if Tanzania are to contain Nigeria’s attacking threat.

Tanzania Squad

Goalkeepers:
Yakoub Suleiman (Simba SC), Hussein Masalanga (Singida BS), Zuberi Foba (Azam FC)

Defenders:
Bakari Mwamnyeto (Young Africans), Shomari Kapombe (Simba SC), Lusajo Mwaikenda (Azam FC), Mohamed Hussein (Young Africans), Nickson Kibabage (Singida BS), Alphonse Mabula (Shamakhi), Wilson Nangu (Simba SC)

Midfielders:
Novatus Miroshi (Göztepe), Kelvin Nashon (Pamba Jiji), Pascal Msindo (Azam FC), Ibrahim Abdulla (Young Africans), Haji Mnoga (Salford City), Dickson Job (Young Africans), Habibu Idd (Singida BS)

Forwards:
Tarryn Allarakhia (Rochdale), Charles M’Mombwa (Floriana), Yusuph Kagoma (Simba SC), Feisal Salum (Azam FC), Morice Abraham (Simba SC), Abdul Suleiman (Azam FC), Iddi Suleiman (Azam FC), Kibu Dennis (Simba SC), Ally Samatta (Le Havre), Kelvin John (Aalborg), Simon Msuva (Al-Talaba)

Tanzania Possible Line-up

Suleiman; Job, Hussein, Kapombe, Mwamnyeto; M’Mombwa, Miroshi, Msanga; Allarakhia, Suleiman A, John

Related Article: AFCON isn’t just a Tournament; it is Africa’s Football Identity

What’s at Stake in Group C

For Nigeria, anything less than three points would be seen as a setback in a group that also includes Tunisia and Uganda. A strong opening win would immediately ease pressure and set the tone for a deep tournament run.

For Tanzania, the match represents a chance to finally make history at AFCON. Even a draw would be a landmark result and a morale boost heading into their remaining group fixtures.